Dale Earnhardt Jr. Finds out From "Fatback" McSwain Why He Left NASCAR | The Dale Jr. Download

[@TheIceberg]

Fatback's face when they let him know how loved he still in the fanbase was so genuine and wholesome. Love these kind of moments.

[@kjprodouctions9050]

I mostly remember him for being Bobby Labonte's crew chief in the early 2000s

[@chrislayton5404]

Priceless!

[@HighGearAutomotive]

Very genuine guy

[@to8860]

That's because nascar doen't listen to it's fans anymore....And it's why their TV viewers are in the tank!!

[@diychad7268]

@@kjprodouctions9050 not Rudds in that iconic 28??

[@chrislovett6120]

What a humble man. He has no idea what a legend he is to this day.

[@joshuasweeney7864]

the way his face lit up when he found out how much people wanted him on the show

[@n1umj]

A racer through and through. Many crew chiefs could leave the sport and be forgotten by the start of next season. Not Fatback, a very well remembered guy and I was so happy to see this podcast go up.

[@LilSebastian_]

It’s kind of hard to forget a guy who’s called Fatback. Just like that fella in the wheelchair they call, “booty.” They have names that are hard to forget because it’s funny.

[@bumble_24bee34]

The one memory I always remember was fatback doing a dance when Bobby labonte won at homestead

[@twoblacklabs904]

Damn, the sport is always lessened when they lose great characters, innovative crew members and top-notch engineers of Michael’s quality. I’ve always said his “retirement” was a dark day for the NASCAR garage. Hey Junior, give this man a job! He still has a place in this sport…

[@nigelm5539]

As a European discovering nascar in the mid 90's, you better believe I know and remember who Fatback McSwain is, really glad you got him on the podcast.

[@FloridaManRacer]

That's AWESOME.

[@tjchr3]

So glad they finally got Fatback on the show really enjoyed this.

[@jasonsimpkins9069]

I love the old school nascar family. Late 90s early to mid 2000s. At least for me. If you ain't cheating you ain't trying. Ha

[@jasonsimpkins9069]

Was he Bobby's guy?

[@dennispalmer6007]

There have been a lot of interesting guest on Dirty Mo, but from an emotional stand point this I believe this was the best. He truly believed that he was forgotten by the racing community, but the look n his face when you told him he as the most requested guest was priceless. He was so surprised and it certainly will make him feel good to know racing hasn’t forgot who Fatback is.

[@garywilt76]

A few years after he left NASCAR I walked into Z-Max 4-Wide with him. I asked him how he was doing and that I missed seeing him at the track. I'm just a fan however we walked and talked like old friends. My respect for him increased even more.

[@BBOutdoorsTV]

Man how can you not love this guy. Love his reaction when they said he was one of the most requested to be on the show - says a lot about the big man - FATBACK!

[@ChucksPullingVideos]

8:24 omg the joy on his face when he heard that 🥲🥲🥲 I sure do miss him in NASCAR. I remember his excitement as Bobby Labonte took the win at Homestead in 2003 and his interview "never give up til they throw that checkered flag" a true competitor through and through. So happy to see him on here.

[@kwil6648]

Michael, if you read this you need to know I am from Iowa, 55 years old and have never been to a nascar race in my life. I started following the sport in the 90's, I always loved seeing your interviews on Sunday. Your name means Nascar to me. So glad to see you doing well.

[@TanDawg58]

Him getting so excited when he learned that he was one of the most requested guests was nice to see. I remember after he was fired by JGR and joined the Wood's team, he'd wear the hats of whatever football team beat Joe Gibbs Redskins, as a slight🖕 to JGR

[@evanwilliams6406]

I really liked seeing Michael's reaction to Dale Jr.'s words telling him how he was still loved and appreciated by the fanbase. That reaction is a lot of the reason why people like him, he is a genuine person and fierce competitor, and he leaves his heart on his sleeve and you can tell he can't get the racing bug out of him. Plus, he is a big dude with a big genuine love for racing.

[@DavidHBurkart]

This is what I love about Dale Jr, bringing us treasures like Fatback. What a humble man... didn't even know how beloved and remembered he is.

[@dwoodward931]

He really came across so genuine it seemed.

[@jamesbarker619]

Glad you guys had him on your show!! Hope he returns and and is successful!! I wish him all the best!!

[@dennisbigda9485]

Fat Back is definitely my favorite crew chief. He needs to have a present in the garage or maybe even in the booth. Could you imagine him the booth? Knowledgeable and funny, I'm sure all of us would definitely know some new terms.

[@Mopar21277]

Loved Michael when he was crew chiefing at RYR and had all that success. Like Dale said, he was a character, a great interview etc.

[@pawtasticdadof532]

Man is a living legend!!! He needs to know his place in the peoples hearts.

[@Tha-WULF]

it's so great to hear from McSwain and all his insights into the sport, and also that he is just as passionate about his past, and possible future in racing at some level...the man truly is a racer

[@ANotSoHotRodGarage]

I can so relate, I started hanging around a dirt car when I was 12. At the age of 40 I walked away and never looked back. I did it full time for 9 years at the end. I believe every word he says that racing is part of you. It was hard for me to just walk away.

[@diychad7268]

Yes racing is a hobby, but for true racers at heart......racing is THE hobby and for many the ONLY hobby!!!!

[@af4od02]

I haven’t raced in years. Not a day goes by without me thinking about racing and wanting to race. Racing is addictive and very hard to break the habit of participating.

[@scotcoon1186]

Similar to losing the farm. Lose your ass for 40 or 60 years, still sad to see it go.

[@ban-0ne77]

He is probably the most genuine and down to earth crew chiefs of the modern era. And considering what he had to work with and time period he was in I would definitely say one of the best ever. And it's a shame he never had the success that truly shows how great he is. And never seem to let it go to his head either. definitely a legend of the sport and one of my all time favorites. I hope he sees just how much he is appreciated and well thought of.

[@philip.goodman]

It was tough hearing Fatback get down on himself about feeling forgotten 🙁 Then seeing his face light up when he heard how much he's been requested for the podcast. Its sad feeling like you've been forgotten by people who you thought cared about you.

[@OldStreetDoc]

Always loved Fatback! He was & is SUCH a character and was so enjoyable to listen to. I totally get the idea of seeing racing as sacred. Absolutely get that. Sounds as if racing started to break his heart a bit, and he truly felt it. Wonderful to hear how well he’s doing. Best of luck, Fatback. 👍🏼

[@oogieboogie5678]

I could listen to him tell stories all day, just such a genuine old school guy, I love it ❤️

[@COCarDude]

This podcast was so great. So glad Mike told Michael how appreciated he is, the guy is clearly humble, just like Mike and Dale. The download and Door Bumper Clear always make my week.

[@Pterodactyl-kn3ve]

Fatback is the epitome of the roots of racing. I was scrolling through KZbin and saw Fatback and stopped because I knew I had to see and hear him again. We miss you!

[@TKizzy12]

One of the best interviews and one of the truest , humble , real people .. McSwain is good people in my book.

[@robertrutemiller5282]

You never worked for him. If you did you would know he was horrible.

[@bobhope4732]

@@robertrutemiller5282 only people that didn't like working for him the lazy people

[@k.y.6148]

This was one of the most emotional moments ever on this podcast! You guys made his day!

[@bobbywolford8576]

Thank you for this. I wondered many time what became of him. Always enjoyed his interviews because he was just a genuine person.

[@sassysusan99]

This was awesome!! The fans that have been watching for years knows this guy. Thank you for bringing him on. I'm sorry for the reason he left. Definitely an asset to the Nascar community.

[@SoCo_Surfcasting]

I feel this 100%. Haven't watched a race in probably 15 years.

[@randymichel459]

Terrific interview that segued into a quasi job interview at the end. As a 28 fan, Fatback and Ricky gave it it’s last hurrah. Forever grateful for that.

[@danielslover8669]

I always loved Fatback’s interviews! You never knew what he was going to say, but it always made me laugh and feel good. I miss him.

[@LindaAllen2129]

Has a racing soul, and a kindness that I like.💜

[@ClarkBoyzRacing]

Most people have drivers as their racing heros! Mine is this man right here, Fatback McSwain is as real as real gets for us gear heads that don't have the ability to drive but love tuning on them

[@outfitsgarage88]

That's awesome, and the look on his face at the news of him being the most requested person. Priceless...

[@rjeff753]

Will always love and remember Fatback. Met him once in a shop in Mooresville. He was a gentleman and to me was one of the great crew chiefs

[@alexseiler1604]

So glad he was able to relate the story-good to his core

[@danwatts91]

Never forget when he had on the hulk hands and was "hulking out" on pit road back in the day lmao so glad he's doing well and you guys got him on

[@Addrum1]

lol i remember

[@BobSmith-rh5gv]

Yes We need more from Michael McSwain

[@michaelw6483]

Fat Back was an Awesome crew chief back in the day. He and Ricky Rudd did Great together.

[@ChuckAllen210]

This was awesome. Fatback really was a character that fans knew and loved. The look on his face when they said he was one of the most requested guests ever was so cool to see. It meant so much to him.

[@michaelfreeman3901]

I love this guy. Look into a persons eyes and you can see what matters to them and how much they respect and desire the things they love doing. I hope we get to see him back in top of a pit box sooner than later.

[@007josiah]

I totally forgot how much I loved this dude.

[@brianschafer3762]

Don’t worry buddy me and a ton of people know who you are and remember you and I’m just a tv fan. Glad to see you!

[@King1614]

So awesome to hear from him. Naturally smart with a race car.

[@ryantavares6314]

I remember seeing Fatback on TV as a kid. Watching this interview, he seems like a real genuine and humble human being. Someone in NASCAR needs to give this kind soul a job to help him do what he loves. Free his heart so his children can see a big smile on their dads face.

[@schmidthappens12]

I love listening to this download one of my favorites of all time 👍🏻

[@Moose6340]

My eyes got a little bit teary when he started talking about nobody knowing who he was and how he couldn't get into races any more. But to see his face light up when he found out he was one of the podcast's most requested guests...man, even more onions started getting cut. Fatback just radiates genuine cool dude energy. How can you not root for this guy to find his passion again and get a place on top of a pit box?

[@sduncan6868]

He was a good solid honest racer. It’s amazing that he’s surprised that he’s still a popular personality in racing. I’ve always liked this guy.

[@leetotty7703]

This man is an icon, he's genuine. His heart is in the right place. Gotta respect that...

[@jasonramsey1511]

I remember him telling stories of building his own cars when he was young. He measured out all the rivet spacing and had them perfect. Most people just eyeball it. Details matter.

[@TheMrdhyde]

He would fit right in at Jr Motorsports.

[@ScottyMac165]

We need more guys like this back in the sport

[@AaronRodgers12Pack]

I want to personally thank Fatback for the great memories from his time with Ricky Rudd at both RYR and WBR! My favorite CC of ALL TIME! 😊👍🏻

[@SmokeShow9969]

Gave me chill bumps when mike and dale were explaining to him everyone still thinks about ole fatback

[@danlove4270]

Love this interview...Thanks Fatback for sharing your story!

[@cracklecracklebaybay5612]

Fatback, you're a LEGEND! You have a place in this sport. You belong at the track.

[@HoofNTaleFarm]

Probably my favorite interview ever Jr. I love FatBack and I want to see him back at the track. You can see the pain in eyes and there is a huge part of his life that is missing. YOU need to put him to work Jr. I sent you an email back in 2000 and asked you to never forget the little guys and to always help those racers that are coming up from grass roots and you have done exactly that. I hope you will read this comment and find a position at JR Motorsports for FatBack - He deserves it.

[@dennisoliver9120]

Jr make him a crew chief on one of your teams. You won't regret it.

[@eric.lowery]

THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@dtiger8317]

Michael is a Racer's racer and A true legend. Love this guy And wish him all the best.

[@wicked.mainah5994]

I remember when Fatback crew cheifed for Ricky Rudd when he drove for Yates and Fatback would sit up on the pit box and rip up 200mph tape and ball it up into little balls when Ricky was winning lol. He needed a fidget spinner. Definitely a Hall of Fame crew cheif in my opinion.

[@dannynixonii6144]

I was literally just thinking about him a couple days ago and he shows up. He was a great crew chief and an awesome guy. It sucks he got done dirty like that.

[@travistraynham5286]

I'm glad you got him on the show, I always liked him and wondered what ever happened to him. Great episode.

[@DisconnectedMinistry]

This was the BEST podcast yet. Real. Raw. Funny. This guy deserves to be involved in racing.

[@fastcar405]

This show with Fatback has to been the best you've done. So much emotion and real spirit.

[@jonnyjameshouse7681]

Amazing interview. Love guys who have this passion.

[@markrobertdevison1227]

Dale is right, fans love a good sound bite and a personality, and Fatback had that. Hopefully he finds his way back in to Nascar.

[@integrity262]

Dam…that’s the most genuine interaction from any of the guests I’ve watched on your show.

[@GoHerd2001]

His interview over on the Winston Cup Scene Vault KZbin channel is also really good. Highly recommend that channel!

[@vincewallett]

One of the best ones on the vault!

[@twoblacklabs904]

Rick Houston is a dedicated NASCAR historian, and will NEVER allow the real fans to forget where the sport’s roots were, and how big and sturdy the tree grew. His Winston Cup Scene Vault podcast is “MUST SEE (and hear) TV.”

[@hereticlife2546]

He’s the type of guy that should get into Kids racing. Kids do it out of pure love, not for the money, and he’d be a great mentor to some kids who will one day go forward into the Cup series and take that purity with them.

[@davidbaird5985]

While helping out at the infield concession stand during the Cars Tour race at Tri-County Speedway, where I have the privilege to serve as one of the tracks Chaplains, I had the opportunity to listen and speak with Fatback for an extended period of time. He is genuine in his passion for the sport racing should be, and not the spectacle racing has become. To hear him speak out of his heart was a treat I was not expecting. I hope to see him back at the track often. He will always have a stool at pit concessions to sit on. Hurry back to enjoy the night with us.

[@ryanfrey9110]

Everybody loves Fatback. When he light up knowing he was one of the most requested guest. He looked like a kid in a candy store. With all the pure emotion on his face. It made me feel good

[@timothybrown8986]

I hope he comes back in 2024 be awesome to see him and his personality back in Nascar.

[@sinnedsinister]

I truly always have wondered what happened to fatback man I'm glad to see he's actually doing good. Maybe the day soon comes when he'll be back building the car. Felt like NASCAR lost something when he left. And I hope he sees this comment. Truly I do.

[@radamus210]

Michael, you are known, always have been and always thought of. shout out from a Virginia boy up in Ohio. One of the best sessions man, glad to see him on the show.

[@virginiaserr2047]

What a lovely human being Michael is. Best of luck to him. Jr put this man to work🏁💕

[@mattkelly8989]

Dear god I hope he knows how beloved he was. He was and is one of the greatest crew chiefs ever! Love yah man!!!!

[@JWG421]

I miss seeing Mcswain you could tell he wore his heart on his sleeve, and had a passion for racing that exceeds beyond nascar, good to see your doing good and raising your children is the most important thing in your life.

[@jasonsimpkins9069]

McSwain! Always loved that name and him. Great guy.

[@joeldubose5762]

Dale, I knew your father. I did engines for all of you and family. I left NASCAR for the very same reason. Hearing someone else say the exact things that I've felt for years really helps me personally. I'm not alone.

[@shawnbauman5463]

I remember him from back in the day. He needs to be a crew chief again. You can see the passion for racing in his eyes.

[@Mtlmshr]

I can totally relate to his story, something very similar happened to me. I’ve always liked and admired him and even more so now!

[@rickcooper6817]

Fatback is the real deal. A genuine human being with a big heart. I've never personally met him or talked to him but some folks you just get that connection with. Thanks for having him on the show!!

[@nathanmcbee8824]

Awesome to see and hear from " FATBACK " . I'm pulling 4 you brother, and keep you in my prayers 🙏. Thanks

[@steveperyer4850]

That man had more heart than anyone on the pit box, when he was in NASCAR. He is a cool dude with some great ideas, and I hope someone will give him his due in the sport. He is honest, sincere, and a racer heart ! Glad to have watched him when he was with the Wood brothers, as they were improving when he was the crew chief.

[@mattrzewnicki6343]

He lit right up when you told him about fans wondering about him. It's not a lie. You hit it spot on with why he had the fan base he did. His genuine personality. He was a great interview, thanks for having him on. Have an idea for your next guest, Johnny Benson Jr. Big fan of his. He'd be a great interview, seemed like he had a great type of personality for that based on his interviews.

[@robragle]

Best guest they’ve ever had. That dude right there is sharp.

[@larryguerra4656]

One of the best shows in the history of the download!

[@WinStoNs_Mith]

Thanks for the memories Fatback!!!

[@edblair5253]

When junior has a guest on who is talking and tellin their story, watch Junior's face. Junior is a good judge of character. A good guy himself like McSwain

[@jeremycollins8866]

Huge FATBACK fan! He is loved by many! Thanks for having him on the show👍🇺🇸

[@pricehouston6952]

Nailed it. Powerful summary of what the racing experience and life is about. Thanks for sharing.

[@jeffpendergrass9481]

Keep these gems coming Jr.!

[@jimlove4541]

Bring him back we need more of this kind of insider insight ! and he's a good guy.

[@hughobrien4139]

I’ve never been a NASCAR fan. I stumbled across a Mr. McSwain interview and listened to how his career progressed. I am a fan of Mr. McSwain. He goes back into racing I will be following.

[@MichiStacker]

The Most Genuine and Down To Earth Crew Chief to ever Grace the garage area or pit road. Miss ya Fatback!!!

[@MrHamAndPrepper]

ABSOFREAKIN RIGHT Fatback had personality and that is exactly what is missing from NASCAR and his reason for leaving the sport is EXACTLY why us die hard fans are leaving !